Why do you want a redwood deck?

April 22, 2004--Why do you want a redwood deck? Most likely you want the best decking for your new house or remodel. But shouldn’t the best product be one that doesn’t add to demand for a diminishing natural resource?

As consumer demand for forest housing products have increased in recent decades, the quality of lumber has declined while the volatility in price has increased. Nowadays, decking wood is commonly knot-ridden, warped, and increasingly difficult to work with. As a result, many building professionals are seeking materials that have more consistent quality and are easier to use. Fortunately, there are lots of attractive choices out there. But be careful. Many wood decking products on the market today are sold as “environmentally friendly” while actually coming from the planet’s most endangered forests.

Be a savvy consumer. Buy only from reclaimed sources or demand to see a legitimate Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark on the decking that certifies it as a sustainable harvested product. This Certification is a “seal of approval” awarded to forest product companies who adopt environmentally responsible forest management practices.

That’s if you insist on wood. I really want to encourage you to find an alternative to wood entirely. There are many proven synthetic products; particularly polyethylene composites that last longer, cost less and even come with 10-year guarantees.

For more information on redwood substitutes, please see: http://www.sempervirens.org/synthetics.htm

This summer, when you share your new deck with your party guests, wouldn’t you like to point out that you chose the best? Maybe they will consider doing the same?

And the next time you drive through the coastal redwoods, you can take some credit for preserving them for future generations!